protecting yourself from consumer fraud and scams in alberta - a guide to resources
DESCRIPTION
This booklet has been created by the Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd and is part of a series from the The Law and You: Seniors and Older Adults project. This guide is intended to help you find out information about consumer fruads and scams that could affect you. If you have already been impacted by one of these schemes or htink you might have been, contact information for agencies that can help you is included. you should not rely on this booklet for legal advice, It provides general information on Alberta law only.TRANSCRIPT
#201 10350 – 124 Street
Edmonton, AB T5N 3V9
Phone: 780.451.5285
Fax: 780.451.2341
LegalResourceCentre
You should not rely on this
booklet for legal advice. It
provides general information on
Alberta law only.
FREE
in Alberta
Updated September 2008
1. General Information and Tips for Prevention ...........................................................................2
2. Advance Fee Schemes ...................................................................................................................3
3. ATM, Credit Card and Debit Card Fraud ....................................................................................4
4. Contract Fraud ................................................................................................................................5
5. Financial Abuse ...............................................................................................................................6
6. Home Renovation Fraud ...............................................................................................................7
7. Identity Theft ...................................................................................................................................9
8. Internet, E-Mail and Online Shopping Fraud ......................................................................... 11
9. Investment and Mortgage Fraud ............................................................................................. 12
10. Telemarketing and Telephone Scams.................................................................................... 13
11. Where to Go for Help ................................................................................................................ 14
This guide is intended to help you fi nd out information about consumer
frauds and scams that could aff ect you. If you have already been impacted
by one of these schemes or think you might have been, contact information
for agencies that can help you has also been included.
A guide to resources
Consumer onsumer Fraudraudand Scams
2
1.1Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern
Alberta Consumer Tips
Th is website features frequently updated consumer tips
from the Better Business Bureau, including how to avoid
current scams and protect yourself against fraudulent
businesses. www.edmonton.bbb.org (click “For Consumers”
and then “Tips” in the box marked “Resource Library”)
1.2Canadian Consumer Handbook 2007
(Consumer Measures Committee)Here you can fi nd a broad, but thorough overview of
various issues faced by consumers in Canada. It includes
information about:
advance fee schemes;•
contracts;•
debit card fraud;•
online shopping scams; and•
telemarketing.•
A comprehensive directory of consumer agencies and
organizations is also included.
www.ic.gc.ca (click on “Consumers”, “Consumer Measures
Committee”, “Consumer Information”, and then “2007
Handbook”).
1.3Canadian Consumer Information Gateway
Th is portal website provides comprehensive sets of links
related to various consumer issues including fraud and
deceptive practices, identity theft, protecting yourself on
the Internet, and fi ling consumer complaints. Information
can be subdivided by province.
www.consumerinformation.ca
1.4Consumer Measures Committee’s Tips on
Complaints, Fraud and Identity Theft
Th is pamphlet features information on:
how to protect yourself from frauds and scams;•
how to make an eff ective consumer complaint; and•
how to reduce your risk of identity theft.•
www.cmcweb.ca (click on “Consumer Issues for Seniors” and
then “Complaints”).
1.5Crime Prevention Tips and Agency Referrals
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is tip sheet features information on:
crime prevention; and•
how to protect yourself from fraud.•
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca (click on “Protection”, “Fraud
Awareness”, and then “If in Doubt, Check it Out”)
1.6Glossary of Fraud Schemes and Terms
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Heads-up.ca provides a comprehensive glossary of
defi nitions relating to diff erent types of consumer fraud,
schemes, and associated terms.
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/glossary.pdf
1.7Personal Information and Scams Protection:
A Canadian Practical Guide
(RCMP)Th is thorough and comprehensive document describes
sixteen Internet scams, twelve in-person scams, and three
telephone scams. A list of common fraud scenarios along
with a helpful glossary and a list of useful links is also
included.
www.rcmp.ca/scams/canadian_practical_guide_e.pdf
1. General Information and Tips for Prevention
3
2. Advance Fee Schemes
These schemes may take place via email, telephone or post. Currently, the most common advance fee
scheme is the “Nigerian Business Letter” scam. The following tip sheets and websites provide both general
and scheme-specifi c information about advance fee fraud.
2.1Advance Fee Letter Scams
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is website includes information and tips on how to
avoid becoming victim to the “Nigerian Business Letter”
scam.
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/advancefee.pdf
2.2Advance Fee Loans
(Reporting Economic Crime Online – RECOL)Th is website features a general description of what an
advance fee loan scheme is, as well as information and tips
about specifi c scams including:
West African Fraud;•
Prize Pitch (Lottery) Scams;•
Pyramid Schemes; and•
Ponzi Schemes.•
www.recol.ca/scams/advance_fee.aspx
2.3Nigerian Scam Letter Database
Th is website features samples of letters that have been
used in the “Nigerian Business Letter” scheme. It is helpful
to visit if you think you may have received such a letter via
e-mail or post.
www.fraudaid.com/ScamSpeak/Nigerian/
scam_letter_database.htm
Watch out for the Nigerian/West-African
Business Letter Scam! For years now,
businesses, learning institutions, and
government departments have been receiving
e-mails from senders posing as Nigerian/
West-African government or business offi cials,
off ering to share large sums of money.
4
ATM, credit card, and debit card fraud can take many diff erent forms. It can occur either in-person, over the
telephone or online. The following tip sheets and video clips provide both general and scheme-specifi c
information.
Videos
3.4Credit Card Fraud
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is video provides simple rules to follow to avoid
becoming a victim of credit card fraud (requires Windows
Media Player).
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/counterfeitcc.htm
(click “MPEG”)
3.5Phony Bank Inspector Fraud
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is video provides a dramatized example of how the
phony bank inspector scheme works, along with some tips
on how to avoid becoming a victim of this scam (requires
Windows Media Player).
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/phony.htm (click “MPEG”)
3. ATM, Credit Card, and Debit Card Fraud
Tip Sheets
3.1The Canadian Caper/Bank Inspector Fraud
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Information and tips on how to avoid being victim to
“Bank Inspector” fraud – this scam also goes under the
name of “Th e Canadian Caper”, “Th e Granny Game”, or
“Th e Pigeon Drop”. Th is is generally initiated over the
phone when the victim receives a call from a phony bank
inspector.
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/phony.pdf
3.2Counterfeit
(Reporting Economic Crime Online – RECOL)Th is website provides information about diff erent types
of credit card fraud, including counterfeit credit card
scams and no-card fraud, along with tips on how to avoid
becoming victim to these schemes. Tips on how to avoid
debit card fraud are also available on this website.
https://www.recol.ca/scams/Counterfeit.aspx
3.3The Lebanese Loop ATM/Debit Card Scam
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Information and tips on how to avoid the Lebanese Loop
debit card scam (an in-person scam that takes place at
local ATMs).
www.heads-up.ca (click on “Hot Tips”, and then the “Next”
button, then scroll down to the “Lebanese Loop” link)
“No Card Fraud” is credit card fraud committed
without the actual use of a card. No Card
Fraud accounts for 10% of all counterfeit card
losses.
5
Contract fraud can take many forms. Any time you sign any type of contract, you should be aware of what
you are agreeing to, since contracts are generally legally binding agreements. The following tip sheets
provide some general tips on signing contracts as well as information to keep in mind before you sign on
with a travel club. For information regarding home renovation contracts, please see the section on Home
Renovation Fraud.
4.2Travel Clubs Tip Sheet
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is tip sheet contains information about Alberta’s Travel
Clubs Regulation and the protection it provides, as well as
tips to help you make sure you do not fall victim to travel
club fraud.
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca (click on “Protection”, “Fraud
Awareness”, and then “If in Doubt, Check it Out”. From there,
choose “Travel Clubs”)
4. Contract Fraud
4.1Signing a Contract
(Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta)Th is website provides some important tips and rules to
keep in mind before and after you sign a contract.
www.edmonton.bbb.org (click on “Consumers” and then
“Tips”. “Signing a Contract” is a Tipsheet from 3/7/2008)
“The Travel Clubs Regulation provides a 10-day cooling off period during which consumers can cancel
contracts without giving a reason.” (www.seniors.gov.ab.ca)
6
5. Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is a form of elder abuse. The following tip sheet and video provide information on how to
spot fi nancial abuse and what to do if you suspect someone you care about is being fi nancially exploited.
5.2Financial Abuse Video
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is video begins with a scenario and then goes on to
describe what fi nancial abuse is, and how to recognize if
you or someone you know has been a victim of fi nancial
abuse (requires RealPlayer).
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca (click the “Protection” tab and then
“Fraud Awareness”)
5.1Financial Abuse Tip Sheet
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is tip sheet provides the following information:
how to identify fi nancial abuse and fi nancial •
exploitation;
what to do if you believe someone is being taken •
advantage of; and
why fi nancial abuse occurs.•
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca (click the “Protection” tab and then
“Fraud Awareness”)
“Elder abuse is defi ned as: Any action or inaction that jeopardizes the health or well being of any older
adult and can include emotional, physical, fi nancial, medication abuse, and/or neglect.”
(www.seniors.gov.ab.ca)
7
6. Home Renovation Fraud
Home renovation fraud is often associated with contract fraud. The following tip sheets and video clips
provide some important information to help ensure you do not sign a fraudulent contract. You have to be
particularly careful with home renovation contracts and contractors because liens could be placed on your
home if your contractor does not pay his or her suppliers or subcontractors.
Tip Sheets
6.1Get it in Writing
(Canadian Home Builders’ Association)Th is website provides multiple “backgrounders” to help
you educate yourself about hiring a reliable contractor and
making sure you’re signing a good contract. An excellent
resource for anyone considering home renovations or
repair work.
www.hiringacontractor.com
6.2Home Improvement Contractors
(Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta)Th is website features a link to Better Business Bureau
accredited home renovation companies, as well as tips on
reading contracts and hiring contractors.
www.edmonton.bbb.org
6.3Home Renovation Fraud Tip Sheet
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is tip sheet provides information on:
how to choose a contractor;•
the value of a detailed contract;•
how to protect yourself from liens; and•
your cancellation rights and contract requirements.•
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca (click the “Protection” tab and then
“Fraud Awareness”)
6.4Home Renovation Frauds
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is publication features information on:
how to fi nd a contractor;•
reputable sources to help you fi nd a contractor;•
the roles of the homeowner and general contractor; •
and
how to recognize fraudulent contractors.•
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/reno.pdf
“Verbal contracts can be diffi cult to prove so a
written contract is best. In some cases the law
says that the contract must be in writing and
contain specifi c information.”
(www.seniors.gov.ab.ca)
8
6.5Home Renovations Consumer Tip Sheet
(Service Alberta)Th is tip sheet provides information about home renovation
contracts in general as well as specifi c information about
working with prepaid contractors.
www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/pdf/tipsheets/Home_
Renovations.pdf
6.6Renovating Tips
(Canadian Home Builders’ Association Edmonton)Links to over 10 diff erent renovating tip sheets including
how to avoid shady contractors, how to choose a
professional renovator, and knowing your responsibilities
when renovating. Other tip sheets look at the Builders Lien
Act and renovation insurance.
www.chbaedmonton.ca/main/public/consumer-tips/
renovating-tips.aspx
Videos
6.7Home Renovation Fraud
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is video provides tips to help you avoid home renovation
scams (requires RealPlayer).
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/services_resources/fraud_
awareness/2001campaign/index.asp#videos
(click “Home Renovation Fraud”)
6.8Home Renovation Fraud
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is video provides tips on how to spot and avoid
fraudulent contractors as well as how to confi rm a
contractor’s validity (requires Windows Media Player).
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/reno.htm (click “MPEG”)
“Remember, an estimate is not a contract. If you accept an estimate, make sure your contract includes all
the facts and promises stated in the estimate.”
(www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca)
9
7. Identity Theft
Identity theft is when someone uses your name and personal information to commit fraud or theft. Identity
thieves may try to access information through the Internet, by stealing wallets or mail, or by impersonating
landlords or employers. The following publications and videos will help you better understand what identity
theft is, how you can avoid becoming a victim, and what to do if you think you have been already been a
victim of identity theft.
Publications
7.1Consumer Identity Theft Kit
(Consumer Measures Committee and PhoneBusters)Th is comprehensive publication includes a frequently
asked questions section and information on:
how identity theft occurs;•
how to reduce your risk of identity theft;•
how to protect information on your computer; and•
the identity theft statement (including a template •
identity theft statement).
www.cmcweb.ca (click on “Identity Theft Kits”)
7.2Identity Fraud
(Reporting Economic Crime Online – RECOL)Features tips about how avoid identity fraud, as well as
information about fraudulent credit card applications and
bank account takeovers.
https://www.recol.ca/scams/Identity_Fraud.aspx
7.3Identity Theft: A Checklist
(Consumer Measures Committee)Includes signs of identity theft and tips on how to guard
your personal information and your computer.
www.cmcweb.ca (click on “Identity Theft Kits”)
7.4Identity Theft: Could it happen to you?
(PhoneBusters)Features tips on how to fi gure out whether your identity is
being used, information on what to do if you suspect you
have been a victim of identity theft, as well as tips on how
to minimize risk of identity theft.
www.phonebusters.com/english/recognizeit_identitythe.
html
“The identity theft statement is a form created
by the Government, which helps you create
written documentation of an identity theft
incident” (www.cmcweb.ca)
10
7.7Identity Theft Tip Sheet
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is tip sheet provides information on the following:
what identity theft is;•
how to fi gure out whether your identity is being used •
without your knowledge;
what to do if you think an identity theft has occurred; •
and
how to protect yourself.•
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/services_resources/fraud_
awareness/
Videos
7.8Changing Faces
(Alberta Government and Edmonton Police Service)Th is 18-minute long video was produced to help educate
Albertans about how to spot and prevent identity theft.
Th e video is currently available online in multiple formats
and can also be ordered as a DVD.
www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1212.cfm
7.5Identity Theft Information
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is tip sheet includes information about how to prevent
identity theft by becoming aware of the documents,
information, and tools identity thieves use. Also includes
information on what to do if you fall victim to identity
theft as well as a set of links to other informative websites.
www.heads-up.ca (click on “Identity Theft” from the left
side-bar menu)
7.6Identity Theft Consumer Tip Sheet
(Service Alberta)Th is publication provides information about:
correcting information held at a credit reporting •
agency;
what to do if you think your identity has been stolen; •
and
how to protect your information and your identity.•
www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/pdf/tipsheets/Identity_theft.
“Be careful what identifi cation you provide, especially if it is one of the main identity documents – a birth
certifi cate, driver’s licence or social insurance number. These source documents can be used to produce
other ID and gain access to more of your personal and fi nancial information.”
(www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca)
11
8.1Consumer Information
(Consumer Measures Committee’s Consumer Issues for Seniors series)Th is tip sheet includes shopping advice, tips on how
to shop online safely, and where to go for further
information.
www.cmcweb.ca (click “Consumer Issues for Seniors”)
8.2Cyber Fraud Tip Sheet
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is tip sheet provides information on what types of
websites are most often involved with fraud and how to
identify potential scams.
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/services_resources/fraud_
awareness/ (click the “If in Doubt, Check it Out” link)
8.3Internet Shopping Consumer Tip Sheet
(Service Alberta)Th is tip sheet includes information on the following:
online sales contracts;•
how to protect your privacy; and•
how to tell if the payment system is secure.•
www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/pdf/tipsheets/Internet_
Shopping.pdf
8.4Online Shopping Tip Sheet
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is publication provides an overview of the Internet Sales
Contract Regulation as well as information on:
how to cancel a contract; and•
how to shop online safely.•
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/services_resources/fraud_
awareness/ (click the “If in Doubt, Check it Out” link)
Videos
Cyber Fraud
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is video provides tips on how to spot fraudulent
emails and protect yourself from cyber fraud (requires
RealPlayer).
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/services_resources/fraud_
awareness/
(click the “If in Doubt, Check it Out” link, then click “Cyber
Fraud”)
8. Internet, Email and Online Shopping Fraud
Internet and email fraud are quite commonplace nowadays as more and more people conduct their fi nancial
transactions online. For information on the Nigerian Business Letter scam and other e-mail letter scams that
ask for you to advance funds before receiving any product or service, please see Advance Fee Schemes.
Tip Sheets
12
Tip Sheets
9.1Investment Fraud
(Reporting Economic Crime Online – RECOL)Th is site features information about investment fraud and
related schemes including the Prime Bank Instrument
Investment scam and stock exchange transaction fraud.
https://www.recol.ca/scams/Investment_Fraud.aspx
9.2Investment Fraud Tip Sheet
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is tip sheet provides information on how to identify
potential fi nancial frauds or scams and includes the top ten
lines used by fraudulent investment promoters.
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/services_resources/fraud_awareness/
(click the “If in Doubt, Check it Out” link)
9.3Mortgage Fraud
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is tip sheet includes information on “straw buyer”
mortgage fraud scams, home equity fraud, and repair
schemes.
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/mortgage.pdf
9.4Mortgage Fraud Consumer Tip Sheet
(Service Alberta)Th is tip sheet includes information on the following:
“straw buyers” and phony loan applicants;•
fl ipping property;•
down payments; and•
how to avoid being a victim of mortgage fraud.•
www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/pdf/tipsheets/mortgage_
fraud.pdf
9.5Prime Bank Schemes
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is website contains a thorough description of the Prime
Bank scheme with information on how to identify and
avoid falling victim to this investment fraud.
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/primebank.pdf
Videos
Investment Fraud
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is video begins with a sample situation and provides tips
on how to recognize and avoid investment fraud (requires
RealPlayer).
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/services_resources/fraud_
awareness/ (click “Investment Fraud”)
9. Investment and Mortgage Fraud
Investment fraud is often related to “Prime Bank” scams (a.k.a. fraud based on valueless documents) and
stock exchange transaction schemes. Mortgage fraud may involve home equity scams or “straw buyers”.
The tip sheets and videos listed below will help alert you to potentially fraudulent investment schemes and
mortgage scams.
“In the mortgage industry, phony loan
applicants are known as ‘Straw Buyers’”
(www.servicealberta.ca)
13
Tip Sheets
10.1Fraud Alert (Collect Calls)
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is website provides a description of collect call fraud
whereby unsuspecting individuals end up accepting charges
for long distance phone calls they did not make.
www.heads-up.ca (click on “Hot Topics” and then the “Next”
button. Scroll down to the “Collect Call Fraud” link)
10.2PhoneBusters – List of Scams
PhoneBusters is the Canadian anti-fraud calling centre and
is jointly operated by the Ontario Provincial Police and the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Th is organization plays
an important role in keeping Canadians educated about
specifi c telemarketing pitches. Th e link below provides a list
and descriptions of current scams that you should be aware
of.
www.phonebusters.com/english/recognizeit.html
10.3Telemarketing Fraud
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is tip sheet off ers general information on telemarketing
fraud along with some of the most commonly used
“off ers” (ie. free gift, vacation, etc.) made by telemarketing
scammers.
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/telemarketing.pdf
Videos
10.4Telemarketing Fraud
(Alberta Government, “If in doubt, check it out” Fraud Awareness Campaign)Th is video begins with a common scenario and then lists
questions to ask on the telephone to help ensure that you
do not become a victim of telephone fraud. Tips on how
to recognize telephone fraud are also provided (requires
RealPlayer).
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/services_resources/fraud_
awareness/2001campaign/index.asp#videos
(click “Telemarketing Fraud”)
10.5Telemarketing Fraud
(Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association)Th is video provides general information about
telemarketing fraud and tips on how to spot and avoid
telephone scams (requires Windows Media Player).
www.heads-up.ca/PDF/telemarketing.htm
(click “MPEG”)
10. Telemarketing and Telephone Scams
Telemarketing and telephone scams are very common and anyone can fall victim to these schemes.
The following tip sheets and videos provide descriptions of various scams and tips on how to avoid
telemarketing fraud.
14
National
Equifax
(for identity theft: to request “fraud alert” be
placed on fi le)
Toll-free: 1-800-465-716
Identity Theft Statement
Helps you notify fi nancial institutions, credit card issuers
and other companies that you have been a victim of identity
theft.
www.phonebusters.com/images/
IDTheftStatement.pdf
PhoneBusters
To report suspicious calls
Toll-free: 1-888-495-8501
www.phonebusters.com
Reporting Economic Crime Online (RECOL)
Supported by the RCMP.
Allows individuals to fi le fraud complaints online
Toll-free: 1.888.495.8501
www.recol.ca
TransUnion
(for identity theft: to request “fraud alert” be
placed on fi le)
Toll-free: 1-877-525-3823
National Do Not Call List
Th e National Do Not Call List (DNCL) gives consumers
a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls. If
you are a consumer you can choose to reduce the number
of telemarketing calls you receive by registering your
residential, wireless, fax or VoIP telephone number on
the National DNCL. You can also fi le a complaint about
telemarketing calls. Call toll-free 1-866-580-DNCL
(1-866-580-3625)
www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca
In Edmonton
Better Business Bureau
Also serves the rest of Central and Northern Alberta
Toll-free: 1-800-232-7298 (Edmonton)
www.edmonton.bbb.org
Elder Abuse Intervention Team
(for fi nancial abuse cases)
Phone: 780-477-2929
www.police.edmonton.ab.ca/Pages/Elder/ElderAbuse.asp
Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE)
15 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Phone: 780-423-5510
www.mysage.ca
SAGE’s listing of Consumer Information Contacts:
www.mysage.ca/fi les/document/Consumer%20Resources.
In Calgary
Better Business Bureau
Also serves rest of Southern Alberta
Phone: 403-531-8780
www.betterbusinessbureau.ca
The Kerby Centre
Phone: 403-265-0661
www.kerbycentre.com
Province-wide
Family Violence Information Line (24 hours)
(for fi nancial abuse)
Toll-free in Alberta: 310-1818
Service Alberta’s Consumer Contact Centre
Home renovation/contract fraud, online shopping fraud
Toll-free: 1-877-427-4088
Edmonton Phone: 780-427-4088
www.servicealberta.ca
11. Where to Go for Help
In any instance of fraud, victims are asked to call their local police departments and report the situation.
There are also many other agencies and organizations that can help if you or someone you know has been
aff ected by fraud. These agencies can also provide further assistance if you have questions or concerns
regarding fraud and economic crime.
15
Notes
The Legal Resource Centre
Th e Legal Resource Centre is a non-profi t society
whose purpose is to provide Albertans with reliable
information about their rights and responsibilities
under the law.
#201 10350 – 124 Street
Edmonton, AB T5N 3V9
Phone: 780.451.5285
Fax: 780.451.2341
The LRC gratefully acknowledges
Public Library Development Initiative
Alberta Law Foundation
The People’s Law School, Vancouver, BC
You should not rely on this booklet for legal advice. It provides
general information on Alberta law only.
Notes
This booklet is part of a series from The Law and You: Seniors and Older Adults project. Other booklets from the series include:• Making a Will• Making a Personal Directive• Making a Power of Attorney• Being an Executor• Being an Attorney• Being an Agent• Protecting Yourself from Consumer Fraud and Scams• Grandparents’ Rights